NEW ORLEANS — Ex-Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson has a warning for his former team — be careful when it comes to trading star cornerback Darrelle Revis.

Tomlinson, who spent the 2010-11 seasons as Revis’ teammate, believes moving Revis will have a devastating effect on the Jets’ locker room.

“Absolutely,” said Tomlinson, now an NFL Network analyst. “When I was there, Revis was so important not only to the team on the field but in the locker room, with the young guys in the film room. He actually made [Antonio] Cromartie a better player. Cromartie was already a veteran player, but he made him better. I just think sometimes organizations make decisions based on strictly business when you can’t replace a guy like Revis.”

But Tomlinson suspects that’s exactly what the Jets are going to do.

“Rex Ryan’s silence in the whole thing about Revis has spoken volumes to me that something is actually happening,” he said.

Tomlinson’s locker was near Revis’ during his time with the Jets. Tomlinson saw firsthand how Revis led the team both with his play and his words. He understands the Jets might have to move him because they may not be able to sign him long-term, but said he believes the front office better be sure before making the move.

“I feel because of the situation that they’re in, the Jets feel like that’s the only way they can make some headway in turning this roster around, getting more athletes on the roster, more athletes that can perform better,” Tomlinson said. “At the same time, the guy is the best defensive player in the league. To me, you win championships with defense. So, in a passing league, how can you get rid of Revis? I don’t know if that’s the best decision to make, to get rid of the best defensive player in the league.”

At quarterback, Tomlinson said he thinks the Jets need to move on from Mark Sanchez, but can’t.

“They’re stuck with him,” Tomlinson said.

Tomlinson also is not buying the idea the Jets will bring in competition for Sanchez.

“They said that last year,” he said. “They brought Tim Tebow in and it wasn’t much of a competition because [Tony] Sparano didn’t know what to do with Tim Tebow. I just think they’re in a situation where they have to stick with Sanchez.”

Tomlinson blames former general manager Mike Tannenbaum’s mistakes for the mess that has become of the Jets. He points to Sanchez’s hefty contract as the prime example.